Daddy’s little girl? That’s me!
From the time I could walk and eat solid foods, every Sunday morning my dad and I would take a walk from our house to the McDonald’s down the road for breakfast (note – this was before nutrition was really a “thing”). On the way down we’d kick stones back and forth and see how far the stone could bounce, and count the steps it took us to get there. Once we reached the restaurant, we’d always order our favorite (hash browns) and he would supervise as I climbed around the PlayPlace. It was our tradition, our way of bonding.
The PlayPlace fun faded away when I grew too tall.
The walks stopped a bit when I started my high school years and learned hash browns weren’t exactly nutritious and I thought I was too “cool” to be out with my dad.
The trips disappeared when I entered college and was away from home most Sundays.
This Father’s Day, though, I plan on taking a walk with my dad down memory lane and making that McDonald’s trip.
My dad has always been my number one supporter, from the time I was in grade school, struggling with my math classes, to when I was in college trying to select a major, to now as I try my best as a young adult to make grown-up decisions.
I learned a lot from him, and still have his life lessons hung up in my room:
Always do your best
Share
Play fair
Return things to their places
Respect other people’s property
Be a good sport
Be cheerful
Apologize if you hurt someone
Keep worries in perspective
While these lessons may seem more applicable to the three-year-old walking to McDonald’s for some hash browns, trust me, they are still applicable to me today, and are great lessons for any modern lady.
Our interns hold their fathers, step-fathers and father figures close to their hearts. Read on for what these classy co-eds had to say:
“My dad has always been here for me – every concert, recital and award ceremony growing up, he was there to cheer me on. And he makes me coffee in the morning when I’m home – that’s love right there,” Meg Dowell.
“He kills the spiders!” Sarah Steinmetz.
“…my dad would do anything to give me a happy and successful life. He’s always thinking about what’s best for my future,” Raquel Santos.
“I love my stepdad because he stepped into my life when another man couldn’t own up to responsibility and completely took me under his wing like I was his own. I finally know what it truly means to have a father!” Megan Felix.
“I love my dad because he has never yelled or even really raised his voice at me. Ever. He is the most patient, loving man, even when I lose my temper. With my future children I hope to try and be like my dad and always remember what’s really important. He’s just always concerned about if I’m okay, not with what’s broken or lost or messed up, so I know I can go to him with anything,” Jennifer Crawford.
“My dad is a very hardworking and dedicated man. I admire that he put himself through medical school and worked hard to provide for his family, and also spent countless nights helping me with homework. He also likes to collect certain vintage toys, and fly a remote-controlled helicopter…he can be so serious but my dad is also an eternal kid,” Kaitlin Green.
“I love my dad because I am the spitting image of him and we share a special bond. He is a hardworking man of God that does everything he can to provide the best for my family. Plus he knows how to fix everything, so handyman has been added to the list of qualities my future husband needs to have,” Whitney Mosel.
“I love my dad because he is hardworking and humble. He is amazing at what he does and is recognized by people on quite a large scale, but he takes it all in stride and never loses focus. But when he’s not being super serious he is quite a nerd in an endearing way – he loves astronomy and photography and takes breathtaking photos of the planets and space with his telescope. He can go on for days about it if you let him!” Nikki Elechi.
“He has the perfect answer for all of my questions!” Victoria Keitel.
“I love my Dad because he is such a hardworking man. He makes sure my truck is always in good condition and that my house at college is in good shape. He’s really funny and I enjoy spending so much time with him while I’m at home,” Skylar Starbuck.
And from our Editor-in-Chief:
“I have an ‘adopted’ dad – my godfather Paren. He is a high school teacher, so talk about amazing patience! He is one of those folks who is so incredibly smart, yet can sit there and teach you without making you feel dumb. On the other side, he cracks these ‘super-sarcastic’ funnies when you walk away, you tell yourself, that was FUNNY. He loves my daughter and he and my husband have an amazing relationship. He and I have a goal to be on the Amazing Race one day and WIN!” Shelly Marie Redmond.
So, dear CL readers, I encourage each and every one of you to reflect on what your father or father figure has taught you, and treat that special man in your life this Father’s Day.
CL Love,
Debra Schreiber
Managing Editor, College Lifestyles™








































































































